10 Guidelines for Your Fantasy Football Roster

My girlfriend hates fantasy football. From September to January, the Washington Redskins and my fantasy leagues consume my life. (According to her)

I can’t argue with her either. There’s only so much football that a girl can take.

Come Sunday, I am glued to my computer, her iPad or my cell phone, as I’m hitting refresh at a compulsive rate. NFL RedZone might have the best/worst invention ever for I feel it to be a necessity when I ordered my cable package.

I’m currently sitting at my desk and to the right of me is my glorious fantasy football trophy from last year. That’s right, I have bragging rights for the duration of the season as I hoisted my beautiful crown.

It’s cornered in my room as it reflects off the sunlight. My name “Tom Natali” is engraved on it, which has become one of my most prized possessions along with my guitars, drums, Chad Smith signature series snare drum and now a fantasy football league trophy.

How have I become so obsessed with waiver wires, predictions and my infatuation with Drew Brees as long as he’s not playing the Redskins?

I can actually direct that question to football fans as a whole, fantasy football has grown exponentially in popularity and a nation has become obsessed.

Fans aren’t rooting just for teams anymore; they’re rooting for individuals and their accomplishments. I found myself yelling at Brent Celek to get me one point last night.

To be honest with you, it’s stressful. You want to beat your friends. You kick yourself for benching Randall Cobb over Antonio Brown and get a little trigger happy with trade offers.

Now just because I was last year’s champion in my league, doesn’t qualify me as an expert. In fact, I’m downright mediocre this year.

However, here are my 10 guidelines to success during your fantasy season.

Disclaimer: these are opinions, not facts. Don’t get mad at me if it doesn’t work out.

Go with Your Gut

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Almost on a weekly basis, I can assume that you are going back and forth with your lineup.

For example, should you start Larry Fitzgerald who is one of the best receivers in the league, but without a competent quarterback? Or Brian Hartline, who hasn’t accomplished anything significant during his career, but has had a few breakout games?

Do you remember when you were studying for the SATs? They always said your first guess is always the best answer. I apply this rule to lineup tinkering as well.

Second guessing yourself is only going to waste your time. Don’t over-analyze and go with what your gut is telling you.

Utilize Twitter

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I know the excessive hashtagging can be incredibly annoying, but don’t knock twitter until you try it.

In today’s information age, twitter is a prime example of that. Now in regards to your team, following the credible fantasy football experts, beat writers and analysts can certainly help you in your decision process.

For example, the Steelers running back situation seems to change on a week-to-week basis. On Thursday, you find out Jonathan Dwyer will be the featured back on their upcoming game, this gives you enough time to make the proper adjustments.

In addition to that, players that are listed as a “game-time decisions” can be difficult. Twitter will give you the necessary updates minutes before kickoff.

Avoid Bias

This might be my biggest problem. My hatred for the Cowboys runs so deep that I cannot bring myself to root for Dez Bryant to have two touchdown receptions and 100 yards receiving.

At the same time, I’m relieved that I’ve lived by this principle. My loyalty to the Washington Redskins remains unaffected by fantasy football.

Either way, I wouldn’t suggest taking this route. If you have an opportunity to draft or acquire a good player from a rival team then do it.

Additionally, don’t let your excessive fandom get in the way of your roster. For example, don’t start Leonard Hankerson just because you’re a Redskins fan—him having a 100-yard game is wishful thinking.

Be Cautious with Trades

If someone in your league offers you Hakeem Nicks you want to check on his health. You want to read reports and see if there’s any news in regards to him.

On the contrary, you could try sneaking your way into a trade offer. For example, (this one is actually true) I read from multiple sources that Michael Turner’s role in Atlanta was going to be reduced.

I drafted Michael Turner prior to knowing that and was able to work out a trade involving him with someone else in my league.

Just to reiterate, trading is very similar to drafting. You have to do your research, review future matchups and what your trading partner will receive in compensation.

Fantasy Experts Can't Guarantee Production

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For the record, I love Matthew Berry. I encourage everyone to read his weekly “Love/Hate” article. For one, he’s an obsessed and irrational Redskins fan just like me. He’s also arguably the most recognizable face when it comes to fantasy football, however, he’s more than willing to admit previous mistakes.

What you have to remember is that just because Matthew Berry or any other “expert” says Julio Jones is going to have a breakout season doesn’t guarantee it’s going to happen.

That’s what is so difficult and entertaining about fantasy football. It’s unpredictable and anyone can compete with anyone.